Philosophy in Technology: Objectives, Questions, Methods, and Issues

Abstract

Philosophy in technology is a research program aimed at studying the philosophical roots of engineering and technology, and it asserts that the resolutions to problems need to be based on an understanding of these philosophical roots. In this paper, we define the objectives of philosophy in technology, the kinds of questions it seeks to explore, the methods it applies, and the ways in which it differs from the philosophy of technology. We then examine six selected problems to illustrate how the philosophical perspective can shine new light onto technology.